Approach

Start from Whitney Portal on the Mount Whitney Trail. Take the Climbers' trail up the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek and follow it to Iceberg Lake (as if you were climbing Mt. Whitney). Most climbers camp at Iceberg Lake. Walk around the left side of Iceberg Lake and then climb up the scree slope to the saddle between Iceberg Lake and Mt. Russell. Walk to the base of the arête, which will be obvious from the saddle.

Route Description

The Fishhook Arête is a straightforward climb on excellent rock. The first pitch includes sustained 5.8 climbing. The rest of the route has a few 5.8 moves but is generally easier.

There is a large overhanging block near the toe of the arête. This block is obvious as you approach from Iceberg Lake. Climb on the right side of the arête to the small notch just beyond the overhanging block. You can start at the toe of the arête, directly below the small notch, or anywhere between these two points.

Once you are on the arête, stay as close to the crest as possible and climb the arête to the summit. The route is seven long pitches with a 70-meter rope. This is a true classic!

Essential Gear

A standard mountaineering rack works fine. Bring whatever you would use on any other 5.8 route.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Images

"After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, which is the most horrible thing in the world."
--Oscar Wilde on Absinthe